About CST

About

Claremont School of Theology isn’t like most theological schools. Yes, we educate ministers and other leaders in service of Church and society. Yes, we’re rooted in a particular tradition — The United Methodist Church — but we are broad in denominational composition and outlook. And yes, we offer opportunities for spiritual formation, intellectual exploration, and practical preparation.

But that’s where the similarities end.

Located in Southern California — the most diverse region in the United States — Claremont School of Theology is looking forward to the needs of the future church, one that’s ready to preach and practice the Gospel message of love and compassion in a radically diverse world.

To do that, we’re building on a relatively simple educational philosophy: we are desegregating religious education so our students can better learn about others as they learn about themselves. Research is showing that students gain a deeper understanding of their own faith when educated in the presence of religious diversity. It’s a ground-breaking — and controversial — approach to ministerial education and Christian formation.

History

Claremont School of Theology is fully recognized and approved as one of thirteen official theological schools of The United Methodist Church , with close relationships with other Protestant denominations, especially the Disciples of Christ and United Church of Christ, the Episcopal Church, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

The school traces its history to 1885 with the founding of the Maclay College of Theology in San Fernando, California. In 1900, Maclay College moved to the campus of the then Methodist-affiliated University of Southern California in Los Angeles. In 1956, the School withdrew from the University and became an independent corporation, related to the Southern California-Arizona Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. The School moved to its present Claremont site in 1957.

Mission

Claremont School of Theology is United Methodist in origin and affiliation; and ecumenical and interreligious in spirit. Students are nurtured by Scripture, tradition, experience, and reason and are prepared for lives of ministry, leadership, and service. Graduates are prepared to become agents of transformation and healing in churches, local communities, schools, non-profit institutions, and the world at large.